Radcliffe to defend her London title

Paula Radcliffe ended weeks of speculation last night when she announced she would defend her London Marathon title on April 13.

The race will be her only marathon before the 2004 Olympic Games although it is not yet certain whether she will compete over the classic distance in Athens.

Her announcement came live on television, shortly before she was named the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year. Radcliffe, 28, who competes next in the Great North Cross-Country in Newcastle on Jan 4, told presenter Sue Barker she was already clocking up more than 100 miles a week in training.

The award capped a golden year for Radcliffe, in which she retained her world cross-country title, won the London Marathon on her debut at the distance and raced to victory in the Commonwealth 5,000 metres and European 10,000m.

Among the other award winners last night were Everton striker Wayne Rooney, the Young Sports Personality of the Year, while the team prize went to the Sam Torrance's European Ryder Cup side, who won at the Belfry in September. Football legend George Best received a lifetime achievement award.